Unpaid carers in education are being encouraged to check if they are entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland.
It is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. The type of help they provide includes emotional, mental or physical support for a family member, friend or neighbour. But many don’t recognise themselves as a carer, which could mean they are missing out on extra money.
There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that could help student carers during their studies.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, it is available to more carers in education.
Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland.